June 2017

We’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of summer and it has finally arrived! Unfortunately, here in Vancouver the warm summer weather has not made an appearance quite yet. While you are patiently waiting for the gloomy days to pass this weekend, why not make a couple easy updates to your home? It will certainly freshen up your space until you can spend your afternoons on the patio instead of indoors!

Living Art
When you can’t spend time outdoors, why not bring it inside? You can breathe some life into your home with some living art – we are talking about botanicals, planters and terrariums! They come in a variety of sizes so you can place them just about anywhere. A simple botanical leaf like this one from CB2 in a vase can add a statement to your entryway. Small potted succulents, aloe or even eucalyptus can also be easily placed in your bathroom, bedroom and side tables. You can pick some up from Kermodi Living Art (one of personal favorites) or CB2 has faux pre-potted options. Feeling brave, why not pick out your own pot and take a trip to your local nursery for a fun weekend DIY? Large planters also look fantastic in your living room. We currently love the look of planters elevated on stands like the Iris Planter + Chevron Stand from West Elm! For those of us who have trouble keeping plants alive, terrariums are your best friend! Fill one with some white stones and a few air plants (Art Knapp has a great selection) and keep a handsome brass mister like the one from Old Faithful Shop on hand to help you.

Small touches
Whether your favorite spot to hang out in your home is your living room or your reading nook, you can easily make some simple changes to help amp up your cherished moments of rest and relaxation! Just by swapping in some new toss cushions and throws your space will instantly be updated. If you want to keep your palette neutral, make sure to add some texture and pattern! Layer solid textures like the Muuto soft grid cushion in tangerine. After dreary winter months a pop of color can go a long way! Hay (great Danish furniture and accessorie line) offers mutlitple items with fun colors. Their Kaleido tray which comes in yellow, orange and apricot can offer a home for keys on an entry table, nightstand valet or coffee table catch all. How about scent? Fresh + bright + hints of wood describe a diffuser cocktail by local Vancouver brandVitruvi. Be summer ready with bergamot, lemon or grapefruit essential oils. Pair that along with their minimalist white stone diffuser and what’s not to love? How will you update your space this weekend? Let us know with the hashtag #area3easyupdate or leave a comment below!

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It is no secret that we love Scandinavian design, so naturally we would be drawn to the Danish capital of Copenhagen! This charming city in Denmark is not only a design mecca, but could easily be considered utopia with its bold urban planning coupled with impeccable architecture. Its rich history is beautifully captured in its well-preserved historic buildings and each neighborhood has a unique character. Not only can you spend days appreciating all the old and new architecture, but there are plenty of design houses and public spaces to also meander through. There is no doubt that all design enthusiasts should visit Copenhagen and absorb some Danish design inspiration! Keep reading for our recommendations for your next visit.

Architecture

We have mentioned him many times before, but Bjarke Ingles and his namesake firm Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG) is a superstar in Copenhagen. Not only is it his hometown, but many of his iconic projects are also located here! Hop on a bike or take a 15 minute metro ride to the new neighborhood of Ørestad and you will easily spot three of BIG’s residential projects – VM Mountain, VM Houses and the 8 House. If you are on a budget or just want to experience living in one of these buildings for a few days, we suggest trying Airbnb! We had a fantastic stay in the 8 House and it was the perfect opportunity to experience living like a local. While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to take a peek at all the other new architectural masterpieces such as the Bella Sky Hotel. We love this neighborhood for its connectivity to nature with many trails, parks and public spaces!

Design

There is a certain timeless simplicity to Danish design and we cannot get enough of it! Copenhagen is filled to the brim with Danish design shops that will make you wish you could bring it all home with you. In central Copenhagen is the Strøget pedestrian shopping street which is home to Hay House. Here you will find contemporary furniture and other objects for the home in their light-filled two storey showroom which is sure to inspire you to make some changes to your own living space. While you are here be sure to check out the view! A few steps away from Hay House is Illums Bolighus, the premier hub of Danish and international design in Scandinavia. Hours can easily be spent going through their floors filled with furniture, décor, light fixtures, kitchen and bath articles and gifts. When you are here, be sure to check out the extensive Fritz Hansen display, Tom Dixon light fixtures and Normann Copenhagen homewares! Finally, spend a few hours learning about Danish design at the designmuseum. Not only will you find a room full of designer chairs on display (or as I like to call it, chair heaven), but you will learn about how the Japanese influenced Danish design!

Public Spaces

A unique aspect about Copenhagen is the many public spaces throughout the city. We are not surprised that it is the most bike able city in the world as everyone seems to be on a bike or on foot! Some of our favorite public spaces include the Copenhagen Street Food market on Paper Island. Here you can grab a bite to eat from one of the international food trucks inside the market hall then relax outside on the deck in the sun overlooking the city’s waterfront with views to the iconic Opera House. For those who love books, The Black Diamond is an extension to the Royal Library and is an architectural masterpiece in its own right with its juxtaposition of old and new. From the outside, the shiny black façade reflects the sea and sky at the harbor front and from the inside you can see the quirky maritime inspired pedestrian and cyclist bridge Cirkelbroen from your table at the café. If you get the chance, cycle out to the hip neighborhood of Nørrebro to visit Superkilen park. A celebration of diversity, BIG designed this park to exhibit interesting things from around the world such as a fountain from Morocco as well as fun pieces such as a boxing arena, octopus slide and swinging benches. Fun for those young and old!

Where would you like to visit in Copenhagen? Let us know in the comments or using the hashtag #area3designcopenhagen